Miniature rose plant named `POULavon`

ABSTRACT

A miniature rose having light pink flowers; compact even growth when grown in a pot; long shelf life and being readily propagated by softwood cuttings. It is a flower color mutation of the variety POULfect.

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of roseplant of the miniature class which was discovered by us as a spontaneousmutation of the variety POULfect, which variety is the subject ofco-pending application Ser. No. 08,606,894, filed Feb. 21, 1996. Thisnew mutation was discovered in a greenhouse located in Broby, Denmark inthe Spring of 1993.

The parent variety POULfect has salmon colored flowers that arerepresented by Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart Red Group 38A.The plant claimed herein has light pink flower color represented by RedGroup 36D. In all other respects, the two varieties are the same.

The following unique combination of characteristics are outstanding inthe new variety and distinguish it from its parent, as well as from allother varieties of which we are aware:

1. Attractive, nonfading, light pink colored flowers;

2. Long shelf life in bloom;

3. Compact, even growth making it ideal for pot culture; and

4. Ease of propagation from softwood cuttings.

Asexual reproduction of this new variety by softwood cuttings, asperformed at Wasco and Somis, Calif., and Fredensborg, Denmark, showsthat the flower color mutation and all other characteristics anddistinctions come true to form and are established and transmittedthrough succeeding propagation.

The accompanying illustration shows typical specimens of the flowers ofthis new variety and of its parent in different stages of development,depicted in color as nearly true as it is reasonably possible to makethe same in a color illustration of this character.

The following is a detailed description of my new rose cultivar withcolor descriptions using terminology in accordance with The RoyalHorticultural Society (London) Colour Chart, except where ordinarydictionary significance of color is indicated.

Parentage of POULavon: Mutation of POULfect.

Classification:

Botanical.--Rosa hybrida.

Commercial.--Miniature.

FLOWER

Observations made from specimens grown in a greenhouse environment atSomis, Calif., and Fredensborg, Denmark.

Blooming habit: Continuous.

Bud:

Size.--5/8 inch long when the petals start to unfurl.

Form.--The bud form is short, pointed ovoid.

Color.--When sepals first divide, bud color is Red Group 36D. When halfblown, the upper sides of the petals are Red Group 36D; and the lowersides of the petals are Red Group 36D.

Sepals.--Color: Green Group 138A. Surface texture: Covered in finehairs. There are three lightly appendaged sepals. There are twounappendaged sepals with hairy edges that also have a few glands.

Receptacle.--Color: Green Group 143A. Shape: Funnel. Size: Small(1/4"×3/16"). Surface: Smooth.

Peduncle.--Length: Short (11/2" to 13/4"). Surface: Smooth. Color:Medium green. Strength: Stiff and erect.

Bloom:

Size.--Small. Average open size is 11/2 inches to 13/4 inches.

Borne.--Singly, several together, in pyramidal clusters of 3-5 flowers.

Stems.--Short (6"-8") and strong.

Form.--When first open: High center. Permanence: Flattens and outerpetals curl back.

Petalage.--Number of petals under normal conditions: 30-35.

Color.--The upper side of the petals is Red Group 36D. The reverse sideof the petals is Red Group 36D. The base of each petal has a small(1/8"×1/8") Yellow Group 3D half moon at the point of attachment. Themajor color on the upper side is Red Group 36D.

Variegations.--Occasional greenish streak on the guard petals.

Discoloration.--There is no change in the color of the petals until theydrop on day 7 or 8.

Fragrance.--None.

Shelf life.--Under low light urban conditions, potted plant has bloomingperiod of 15 or more days.

Petals:

Texture.--Thick and leathery.

Shape.--Round to slightly oval.

Form.--Tips slightly recurved.

Arrangement.--Imbricated, with few petaloids in the center.

Persistence.--Drop off cleanly.

Lastingness.--On the plant: Long, 7-8 days. As a cut flower: Not tested.

Reproductive parts:

Anthers.--Size: Medium. Quantity: Many. Color: Yellow. Arrangement:Regular around styles.

Filaments.--Color: White.

Pollen.--Color: Lemon yellow.

Styles.--Color: Reddish.

Stigmas.--Color: White.

Form: Bush.

Growth: Vigorous, dwarf, upright, branching, compact. Plant in a 5 inchcontainer will be 10-12 inches tall.

Foliage: Number of leaflets on normal mid-stem leaves: 5 or 7.

Size.--Small (3"-31/4"×2"-21/4").

Quantity.--Abundant.

Color.--New foliage: Very little anthocyanin. Upper: Green Group 137A.Lower: Green Group 138B with some reddish pigment on the margins of theleaf margins. Old foliage: Upper: Green Group 139A. Lower: Green Group138B.

Leaflets:

Shape.--Pointed oval.

Texture.--Upper side: Glossy and smooth.

Edge.--Serrated.

Serration.--Single and small.

Petiole rachis.--Color: Green.

Petiole underside.--Smooth with occasional prickles.

Stipules.--Short (1/4"), serrated, and bearded.

Disease resistance.--Resistant to mildew under normal growing conditionsat Somis, Calif.

Wood:

New wood.--Color: Light green. Bark: Smooth.

Old wood.--Color: Green. Bark: Smooth.

Prickles:

Quantity.--On main canes from base: Ordinary. On laterals from maincanes: Ordinary.

Form.--Short (3/16") and straight.

Color when young.--Red.

Small prickles:

Quantity.--On main stalks: None. On laterals: None.

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of rose plant of the miniatureclass, substantially as herein shown and described, a sport of thevariety POULfect characterized particularly as to novelty by its lightpink flowers which distinguish it from its parent variety; compact evengrowth under pot culture; long shelf life; and ease of propagation fromsoftwood cuttings.